Online or phone consultations became popular in recent years, and they do have real advantages.
They’re convenient for follow-ups, simple questions, renewing prescriptions, sharing report results, or getting guidance when travel is difficult. They save time and sometimes cost.
But teleconsults also have limits. Doctors can’t examine you physically—no listening to lungs, pressing on the abdomen, or checking reflexes. For new, serious, or unclear problems, an in-person visit is often safer.
Safety tips: always use trusted platforms or known clinics, not random social media contacts. Avoid sending personal details or money to unverified sources.
Keep your previous reports ready and describe your symptoms clearly—duration, intensity, associated factors. Poor communication makes online consults less useful.
If a doctor online insists you must see someone in person, take that seriously. Telemedicine is a tool, not a replacement for all physical visits.
